Breastfeeding after a single mastectomy?

[ericaf]

I am a FTM, and just about 25 weeks pregnant... I had a single mastectomy in 12/10 with reconstruction on that side as well as an implant on my natural side on 3/11 (Get this. They don't MAKE implants in a size A which I originally was, so I had to augment to match. Ridiculous. Anywayyy...)

Does anyone have any information on this, or in a similar situation? I can't find much online at all, and my Mom keeps telling me to prepare that I won't be able to do it... I'm getting irritated by the comments, and just want to read up as much as I can!

[TiredX2]

I think there is a wide variety of outcomes in this situation (breastfeeding after breast surgery).  As you probably already know, it is possible to have a full supply and breastfeed only on one side, so that is not necessarily an issue.

You've probably already found this, but here are some LLL articles:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb/nbsurgery.html

Here is some more information:

http://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/breast-feeding-after-surgery.html

Can you breastfeed with implants?

Breast feeding with breast implants is easier than breastfeeding after a breast reduction because the breast tissue is still intact. Implants that are inserted through a periareolar incision “through the nipple area” are more likely to cause problems for breastfeeding.

I have found Livestrong to have fairly good information in the past:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/121747-breast-feeding-after-breast-implants/

Success Rates

The rumor mill is packed with ideas about a woman's ability to breastfeed after implants. The truth is, many women are still able to do it. There may, however, be problems or complications that limit a woman's ability to breastfeed. A study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery in 2010 found a 25 percent decrease in breastfeeding ability in women who recently had implants when compared to a control group. Some of these women were able to breastfeed but had to supplement with formula. A study at Texas Children's Hospital reported by the National Research Center for Women and Families found 67 percent of women had an insufficient milk supply.

Problems

Having breast augmentation surgery carries with it a few common side effects. One of these that perhaps has the largest affect on breastfeeding is loss of nipple sensitivity, according to the National Research Center for Women and Families. Women with no feeling in their nipples might have difficulty with their latches and their bodies might miss many of the signals for their breasts to make more milk. If a woman has a significant amount of breast tissue removed before implants, the milk glands could be damaged or removed. Surgical scars, size of the implant, infections and surgical complications can also affect breastfeeding.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/121747-breast-feeding-after-breast-implants/#ixzz1uys0PJLI

While you can't be positive about your personal outcome, you probably do have some information that will be indicative of how likely you are to be successful.  Do you know if your nipple was removed/moved during surgery?  Do you still have significant sensation on that areola?

This site also seemed to have some good info:

http://bfar.org/prepare.shtml

According to that site, pregnancy actually quickens the rate your body is trying to "regrow" milk production ability.  That said, they also say that it can take up to five years.

Good luck!

 

[ericaf]

Thank you so much for the info!!

Oddly, I have MORE sensation in my nipple than I did before surgery... figures. It's a bit overly sensitive to me, but nothing terrible. My incisions were underneath the breast, so no nipple removing/moving. (My mastectomy side, I have no nipple and just an implant). All I know is my natural side is now significantly bigger than my mastectomy side (whereas they matched perfectly pre-pregnancy), so that I have to stuff my mastectomy side to match. Annoying, but I know it's a good thing! Honestly, I never thought for one second I wouldn't be able to still breastfeed. I figured it would be harder, but still possible. And then I was reading about women BF'ing twins, and thought... "That's basically how it would be for me. One baby, one boob. No flip flopping." But my Mom, I think, is trying to get me to accept it might not be possible... or some babies just don't want to BF (like my brother), or some Mom's just don't like it... and I was getting annoyed and discouraged. I know she means well, just to prepare me... but I saved this boob for one reason... to feed my babies! I emailed a lactation consultant who lives close to me in hopes she can help, or point me in the right direction to someone who can. I really feel like I can do this.

[TiredX2]

Originally Posted by ericaf 

Thank you so much for the info!!

Oddly, I have MORE sensation in my nipple than I did before surgery... figures. It's a bit overly sensitive to me, but nothing terrible. My incisions were underneath the breast, so no nipple removing/moving. (My mastectomy side, I have no nipple and just an implant). All I know is my natural side is now significantly bigger than my mastectomy side (whereas they matched perfectly pre-pregnancy), so that I have to stuff my mastectomy side to match. Annoying, but I know it's a good thing! Honestly, I never thought for one second I wouldn't be able to still breastfeed. I figured it would be harder, but still possible. And then I was reading about women BF'ing twins, and thought... "That's basically how it would be for me. One baby, one boob. No flip flopping." But my Mom, I think, is trying to get me to accept it might not be possible... or some babies just don't want to BF (like my brother), or some Mom's just don't like it... and I was getting annoyed and discouraged. I know she means well, just to prepare me... but I saved this boob for one reason... to feed my babies! I emailed a lactation consultant who lives close to me in hopes she can help, or point me in the right direction to someone who can. I really feel like I can do this.

I'm so glad it was helpful.  Lots of bad things can happen in life, but we don't generally go around saying *expecting* them, kwim.  It sounds like you're in a good position to be able to nurse your baby.  I'd also encourage you to go to some La Leche League meetings (even before the baby is born) so you have some support built in.  It looks like you're in New Jersey, so here is the NJ page of groups:

http://www.llli.org/web/newjersey.html

I liked having a group of people that I knew understood my desire to breastfeed.

Good luck!

[greenmamato2]

I have had a breast reduction, and a large lumpectomy on my right side.  I can no longer breastfeed out of my right side (it is complicated - lots of scar tissue blocking the way out, even though my glands make milk).  My left side however, is fully functional, even after complete nipple removal and reattachment.  I breastfed my youngest daughter just on the left, after breast surgery, and was successful for the most part (I supplemented a bottle every other feeding).  I probably could have fed strictly from that one breast, but the glands being swollen in the other breast was painful, and we both got thrush, so the breaks helped.

[ericaf]

greenmama: Very interesting, and good to know! At least I know I will have no swelling on my mastectomy side because there's nothing in there! Lol. I just hope my body can compensate enough on my native side so I can do this... I would be okay with supplementing a bottle if I needed to. I just really want to be able to do this.

[rtjunker]

I haven't been there, but I'd like to offer my support and encouragement. Many women are able to EBF after breast cancer, and reconstructive surgeries, plus you'd get the added benefit of fighting breast cancer by breastfeeding. Studies have shown a decreased risk of breast cancer for breastfeeding moms.

It also sounds like your Mom may be speaking from a sense of guilt or defending her own feeding decisions, so maybe try not to take it all to heart. (Believe me, I know that is far easier said than done). Yes, you may have breastfeeding complications, but it may end up not being an issue at all. The more relaxed you feel trying to establish a breastfeeding relationship, the easier it will be. It sounds like you're already looking into getting support in case you need it, and are willing to be flexible about FF if it comes down to that. Good luck, I hope all goes well.

Here's a breastfeeding story I found about a breast cancer survivor, that might give you some hope. http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2006/11/breastfeeding_a.html

[Springshowers]

I am breastfeeding a 42 pound 2.5 year old and a 24 pound 9 month old. I have as much milk as they want, and some days the older one hardly eats and just nurses a lot!! That averages to feeding 33 pounds of child per breast! Even feeding from one side your body could make more than enough... I would go into it assuming you will be successful, and like anyone else be ready to talk to lactation consultants for help if you have problems. And don't assume problems are due to your surgery.. lots of people have problems with nursing that get sorted out.

[ericaf]

Thank you so much for the positive thoughts, HappyMonkey... that's super helpful and good to know. I like that a lot! Makes me feel even better. 

[Vegan Princess]

I reccomend ordering a Lactaid, just in case. It will allow you to supplement at the breast, while baby nurses from you. That way, if your one breast doesn't produce enough, you can keep baby at the breast. The extra sucking while drinking the supplement will help stimulate your breasts to increase your supply. No nipple confusion.

I have implants and had lots of trouble with my supply. That said, I am 99% sure it is bc my incision was around my nipple. My guess is, the augmented side will be just fine! Most women can feed twins with their two breasts - I am guessing you will be fine feeding one babe from one breast. I actually have more than 1 friend who nursed on 1 side exclusively, for various reasons. No need for them to supplement.

Good luck!

Cindy

[ericaf]

Vegan Princess: I'm confused. Order a Lactaid? Isn't that milk at the grocery store? For me or the baby?

[Vegan Princess]

Sorry, I should have included a link last time. Here it is:

http://www.lact-aid.com/

:-)

Cindy